Combination Hat And Helmet

ABSTRACT

A hat-helmet combination includes a hat having a protective helmet removably disposed therein. The hat has a continuous lower rim, and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown, the lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the hat. The helmet includes an outer impact-resistant shell, an inner foam liner, and a chin strap. The shell and the liner each have a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown, the lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of protective headgear, and more particularly to improved headgear for equestrian use.

2. Description of Prior Art

There are many types of protective headgear that are presently in use for a variety of recreational activities and work-related uses. One environment where protective headgear is becoming increasingly prevalent is equestrian riding. There is mounting evidence showing that the use of ASTM certified equestrian headgear saves many lives, and a number of equestrian organizations are now requiring the use of such devices. As with many headgear applications, the external appearance of the headgear is an important determinant of its acceptability among prospective wearers. Unfortunately, the only available protective headgear style for equestrian use is based on the English riding hat, which comprises a rounded head covering portion and a forward brim. Although there are variants within this category of protective headgear, these fall into two major classes; namely, training and show models. The training equestrian models feature a plastic outer shell decorated with background colors, graphics and/or logos. The show equestrian models feature a plastic outer shell covered with soft material, usually a velvet or micro fiber material. They are typically provided with a decorative top button and a rear ribbon in order to comply with the aesthetic requirements imposed on English saddle riders performing in competitive show events.

There are many equestrian riders who do not wish to wear an English riding hat, and instead prefer other styles of headgear. Examples of such headgear include the English derby hat for Tennessee Walker riding and the western cowboy hat for all types of western riding. A protective helmet having a protective shell and an inner liner combined with a western cowboy hat has been previously proposed. However the hat is permanently attached to the protective shell. Insofar as the inner liner is designed to crush upon impact in order to absorb traumatic energies associated with a fall, the entire assembly must be replaced whenever the helmet experiences sufficiently high impact force.

Current manufactures of protective headgear for equestrian riding do not offer styles such as the English derby hat or the western cowboy hat in protective formats that allow the rider flexibility of color, shaping and styling. Indeed, the complex configuration details and decorative materials used in such hats tend to preclude the use of protective headgear construction methods. As to configuration, the English derby hat and the western cowboy hat normally feature a large crease or recess in the crown portion of the hat and a continuous brim with complex curvature extending outwardly from the lower rim of the head-receiving portion. As to materials, the English derby hat and the western cowboy hat are typically made of a soft material such as felt or fur, and often include a decorative headband, a ribbon or feather, and possibly other styling features, all comprising dissimilar materials. These materials do little to protect a wearer's head in the event of an impact.

Accordingly, a need exists in the protective headgear art for protective headgear that overcomes the foregoing disadvantages. What is required is an improved protective headgear design that provides wearers with the ability to select headgear styles that are traditionally not impact resistant, such as hats, while offering a level of head protection that is consistent with prevailing headgear certification standards. The ability to replace the headgear protective portion without replacing the entire headgear (e.g., in the event of an impact) would also be beneficial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing problems are solved and an advance in the art is achieved by a hat-helmet combination that includes a hat having a protective helmet removably disposed therein. The hat has a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown. The lower rim and dome collectively define a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the hat. The helmet includes an outer impact-resistant shell, an inner foam liner, and a chin strap. The shell and the liner each have a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown, with the lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the helmet.

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the hat may comprise felt or fur material and/or a decorative hat band surrounding the lower rim. The hat may further comprise a continuous brim extending from the lower rim and/or a decorative recess in the crown thereof. In order to accommodate the recess, the helmet crown may be spaced from the hat crown. Overall, the hat may comprise any desired hat style, such as an English derby configuration. If desired, the hat-helmet may be provided with cooling vents. The helmet dome may be shaped to conform to a wearer's head while minimizing the size of said hat dome. The hat may be removably secured to the helmet by way of a friction fit between an outside surface of the helmet dome and an inside surface of the hat dome.

In another aspect, a head protection customization method is provided whereby a person can customize the hat-helmet for a particular use. According to the customization method, a headgear wearer may be provided with a set of one or more helmets of different size and a set of two or more hats of different style. Configuration instructions are also provided for use by the wearer. The configuration instructions may include instructions relating to the wearer selecting one of the helmets according to a size of the helmet, instructions relating to the wearer selecting one of the hats according to a desired hat style, instructions relating to the wearer removably mounting the selected hat on the selected helmet to constitute a hat-helmet, and instructions relating to the wearer placing the hat-helmet on the wearer's head and securing the helmet for use by way of the chin strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a combination hat-helmet constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the hat-helmet of FIG. 1 showing the head-receiving interior portion thereof;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the hat-helmet of FIG. 1 showing the hat portion separated from the helmet portion;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the helmet portion of the hat-helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the helmet portion of the hat-helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the hat-helmet of FIG. 1 secured on a wearer's head;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the hat-helmet of FIG. 1 secured on a wearer's head; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the hat-helmet of FIG. 1 with a portion thereof broken away to provide a cross-sectional representation of internal construction features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements in all of the several views, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a hat-helmet combination 2 that is designed, by way of example only, for equestrian use. The hat-helmet 2 includes a hat 4 having a continuous lower rim 6 and a hollow dome 8 extending from the lower rim to a central crown 10. The lower rim 6 and the dome 8 collectively define a forward portion 12, a rearward portion 14, and lateral portions 16 of the hat 4. The hat 4 can be made of any suitable material, including felt or fur material of the type normally used in hat construction.

A helmet 18 is removably disposed in the hat 4. The helmet 18 includes an outer impact-resistant shell 20 having a continuous lower rim 22 and a hollow dome 24 extending from the lower rim to a central crown 26. The lower rim 22 and the dome 26 collectively define a forward portion 28, a rearward portion 30, and lateral portions 32 of the outer shell 18. The helmet 18 can be made from any suitable impact resistant material, such as molded polypropylene plastic.

With additional reference to FIG. 8, the helmet 18 further includes an inner foam liner 34 nested in the dome 24 of the outer shell 20. The inner liner 34 has a continuous lower rim 36 and a hollow dome 38 extending from the lower rim to a central crown 40 to provide a head receiving cavity 42. The lower rim 36 and the dome collectively define a forward portion 44, a rearward portion 46, and lateral portions 48 of the inner liner 34 (see FIG. 2). The inner liner 34 can be made from any suitable impact cushioning material, such as expanded polystyrene foam.

The helmet 18 is preferably constructed as a fully protective headgear device that meets or exceeds prevailing protective headgear certification requirements. It may additionally include chin strap securement system comprising mutually connectable strap-and-buckle assemblies 52 and 54 is secured to the helmet 18 between the outer shell 20 and the inner liner 34. In particular, the strap ends of each strap-and-buckle assembly 52 and 54 may be adhered to inside surfaces of the lateral portions 32 of the outer shell 20, and adjacent to outside surfaces of the lateral portions 48 of the inner liner. If desired, optional cooling vent holes 56 may be formed in the helmet 18, such as extending through the crown of 26 of the helmet 20 and the crown 40 of the inner liner 34. Although not shown, corresponding vents may be formed in the hat 4. For increased wearer comfort, an inner headband 57 made of cushioning material may be provided on the inside surface of the lower rim 36 of the inner liner 34. A head cushioning pad 57A may likewise be provided on the inside surface of the dome 40 of the inner liner 34.

The hat 4 may optionally comprise a decorative hat band 58 surrounding its lower rim 6. A continuous brim 60 may also be formed on the hat 4, so as to extend from the lower rim 6. A decorative recess 62 (e.g., a crease) of any suitable shape may likewise be formed in the crown 10 of the hat 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the crown 26 of the helmet's outer shell 18 may be spaced from the hat crown 10 in order to accommodate the recess 62. On the other hand, the rim 6 and the lower portion of the hat dome 8 are preferably closely matched in size to the rim 22 and the lower portion of the outer shell dome 24 in order to provide a tight friction fit that helps retain the hat 4 on the helmet 18 during use. This tight-fitting friction relationship can be seen in FIG. 8. It will also be seen in FIGS. 4-7 that the lateral sides 32 of the outer shell 20 (FIG. 4) are generally vertical for a substantial distance from the lower rim 22, and do not begin to substantially curve until the level of the crown 26 is nearly reached. The lateral sides 16 of the hat 4 have a similar configuration (FIG. 6), which thus provides a large surface area for frictional contact between the hat and the outer shell 20. FIGS. 5 and 7 show a similar large surface area for frictional contact between the generally vertical forward and rearward portions 28 and 30 of the outer shell 20 and the forward and rearward portions 12 and 14 of the hat 4. Although the foregoing configuration provides good frictional contact between the hat 4 and the helmet 18, the helmet is not so tall or bulky as to result in the hat 4 become excessively large relative to the head of the wearer W. Instead, the helmet 18 is shaped to conform to a wearer's head as much as possible, thereby minimizing the size of the dome 8 of the hat 4.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the brim 60, and to a lesser extent the shape of the recess 62, will tend to dictate the style of the hat 4. In FIGS. 1-8, the brim 60 and the recess 62 are shaped to define an English derby configuration for the hat 4. Other hat styles may also be used in conjunction with the helmet 18 to provide the hat-helmet 2. For example, the recess 62 could be removed so as to form an English derby hat configuration with an outwardly rounded top. To provide a western cowboy hat configuration, the brim 60 could be enlarged to provide the distinctive western look and feel.

An advantage of the hat-helmet 2 is that it provides the ability for wearers to mount different styles of the hat 4 on a single helmet 18. This is important because hat styling, shape, color and the like can be readily altered by the wearer, for example, to match the hat-helmet with a riding outfit. Moreover, insofar as the helmet 18 is the impact-absorbing component of the hat-helmet 2, its inner liner 34 is designed to crush on impact in order to absorb much of the traumatic energies associated with a fall. Thus, after each fall, the helmet 18 should be replaced. By making the hat 4 separable from the helmet 18, the helmet can be replaced without having to also replace the hat, which may be quite expensive. Indeed, depending on the materials used in the hat 4, its cost may be many times that of the helmet 18.

If desired, a head protection customization method can be implemented by a helmet provider on behalf of customers. According to the customization method, a helmet provider may provide a headgear wearer (e.g., via a retail display, an online display, product packaging, etc.) with a set of one or more helmets 18 of different size and a set of two or more hats 4 of different style. Configuration instructions may also be provided for use by the wearer (e.g., via a retail display, an online display, a package insert, etc.). The configuration instructions may include instructions relating to the wearer selecting one of the helmets 18 according to the size of the wearer's head. For example, the helmet 18 may be selected so as to achieve a best fit consistent with safety requirements. The configuration instructions may also include instructions relating to the wearer selecting one of the hats according to a desired hat style. Thus, the hat 4 may be selected for aesthetic reasons. In addition, in the event that different sizes of the helmet 18 require different sizes of the hat 4, the hat 4 may be additionally selected according to the selected helmet size. Preferably, however, the number of different helmet sizes can be minimized so that a large number of hat sizes are not required. This could be achieved by configuring the inner head band 57 and the cushioning pad 57A as an adjustable system that allows a single helmet 18 to accommodate heads of different size, as is known in the headgear art. The configuration adjustment instructions may further include instructions relating to the wearer removably mounting the selected hat on the selected helmet so as to constitute the hat-helmet 2, followed by instructions relating to the wearer placing the hat-helmet on the wearer's head and securing the helmet for use by way of the chin strap (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

Accordingly, a combination hat-helmet has been disclosed. Advantageously, the hat-helmet provides wearers with the ability to select a larger range of certified protective headgear styles than would otherwise be possible. This is particularly advantageous in the field of equestrian riding, where riders who wish to use certified headgear had not enjoyed a variety of headgear style choices. Nor has the ability to customize protective headgear by replacing one hat with another on a protective helmet been heretofore provided. It should, of course, be understood that the description and the drawings herein are merely illustrative, and it will be apparent that various modifications, combinations and changes can be made in accordance with the invention. As such, the invention is not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A hat-helmet combination, comprising: a hat having a continuous lower rim, and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said hat; a helmet removably disposed in said hat, said helmet comprising: an outer impact-resistant shell having a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said outer shell; an inner foam liner nested in the dome of said outer shell, said inner liner having a continuous lower rim coextensive with said outer shell lower rim and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown to provide a head receiving cavity, said lower rim and said dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said inner liner; said helmet being removably retained in said hat solely by way of a tight friction fit provided by a relatively large area of frictional contact between said helmet and said hat, said frictional contact area comprising said outer shell forward, rearward and lateral portions being substantially vertical from said lower rim to nearly the level of said central crown, and said hat forward, rearward and lateral portions having a substantially matching configuration in tight fitting frictional contact therewith: and a chin strap secured to said helmet.
 2. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat comprises felt or fur material.
 3. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat comprises a decorative hat band surrounding said lower rim.
 4. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat comprises a continuous brim extending from said lower rim.
 5. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat comprises a decorative recess in said crown.
 6. A hat-helmet according to claim 5, wherein said helmet crown is spaced from said hat crown in order to accommodate said recess.
 7. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat comprises an English derby configuration.
 8. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said hat-helmet comprises cooling vents.
 9. A hat-helmet according to claim 1, wherein said helmet dome is shaped to conform to a wearer's head while minimizing the size of said hat dome.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A head protection customization method, comprising: providing a set of one or more helmets of different size, each helmet including: an outer impact-resistant shell having a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said outer shell; an inner foam liner nested in the dome of said outer shell, said inner liner having a continuous lower rim coextensive with said outer shell lower rim and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown to provide a head receiving cavity, said lower rim and said dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said inner liner; said helmet being removably retained in said hat solely by way of a tight friction fit provided by a relatively large area of frictional contact between said helmet and said hat, said frictional contact area comprising said outer shell forward, rearward and lateral portions being substantially vertical from said lower rim to nearly the level of said central crown, and said hat forward, rearward and lateral portions having a substantially matching configuration in tight- fitting frictional contact therewith: and a chin strap; providing a set of two or more hats of different style, each hat having a continuous lower rim, and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said hat; providing configuration instructions for use by a headgear wearer, said instructions including: instructions relating to said wearer selecting one of said helmets according to a size of said helmet; instructions relating to said wearer selecting one of said hats according to a desired hat style; instructions relating to said wearer removably mounting said selected hat on said selected helmet solely by way of said tight friction fit to constitute a hat-helmet; and instructions relating to said wearer placing said hat-helmet on said wearer's head and securing said helmet for use by way of said chin strap.
 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said hats comprise felt or fur material.
 13. A method according to claim 11, wherein said hats comprise a decorative hat band surrounding said lower rim.
 14. A method according to claim 11, wherein said hats comprise a continuous brim extending from said lower rim.
 15. A method according to claim 11, wherein said hats comprise a decorative recess in said crown.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said helmet crown is spaced from said hat crown in order to accommodate said recess.
 17. A method according to claim 11, wherein one of said hats comprises an English derby configuration.
 18. A method according to claim 11, wherein said hat-helmet comprises cooling vents.
 19. A method according to claim 11, wherein said helmet dome is shaped to conform to a wearer's head while minimizing the size of said hat dome.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A hat-helmet combination, comprising: a hat having a continuous lower rim, and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said hat, said hat comprising felt or fur material and having a derby configuration that includes said dome being rounded with a decorative recess, a continuous brim extending from said lower rim, and a decorative hat band surrounding said lower rim; a vented helmet removably disposed in said hat, said helmet having an impact-resistant outer shell and an inner foam liner, a continuous lower rim comprising coextensive continuous lower rim portions of said outer shell and said inner liner, and a hollow dome extending from said lower rim to a central crown, said lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of said helmet, said dome being shaped to minimize the size of said hat dome and said helmet crown being spaced from said hat crown; said helmet being removably retained in said hat solely by way of a tight friction fit provided by a relatively large area of frictional contact between said helmet and said hat, said frictional contact area comprising said outer shell forward, rearward and lateral portions being substantially vertical from said lower rim to nearly the level of said central crown, and said hat forward, rearward and lateral portions having a substantially matching configuration in tight fitting frictional contact therewith: and a chin strap secured to said helmet. 